Stihl Chainsaw Lineup 2026: Every Homeowner and Farm Model Compared

Stihl's US chainsaw catalog lists 54 products when you count every variant, battery kit, and pro saw. This guide covers the nine gas saws Stihl positions for homeowners, property owners, and farms, plus one battery saw. Here they are side by side, using only the specs Stihl publishes on stihlusa.com - checked in late September 2026.

Where to Buy a Stihl (It Is Not Amazon)

Stihl's own FAQ says genuine Stihl products, parts, and accessories are sold only through authorized local Stihl dealers - many of which offer online ordering with in-store pickup or delivery. When we checked Amazon, the Stihl saw listing we looked at came from a reseller priced above Stihl's own list price. Use Stihl's dealer locator for the saw itself. The gear on this page - chaps, files, bar oil, fuel - is non-Stihl-branded and sold on Amazon.

Want to Buy Online? The Husqvarna Rancher Is on Amazon

If you would rather order a saw than visit a dealer, the closest Amazon-sold alternative to the MS 271 Farm Boss is Husqvarna's Rancher line, sold and shipped by Amazon itself when we checked. The 450S Rancher is in the same roughly 50cc class as the MS 271 - 50.2cc and 3.2 hp with a 20-inch bar, per Husqvarna. The 450X uses the same engine tuned to 3.4 hp with AutoTune, and the 455 Rancher steps up to 55cc and 3.5 hp per its listing. Our 450 vs 450S vs 450X comparison covers the differences in detail.

Stihl Gas Chainsaws Compared

Weights are Stihl's "device weight without refuelling," which Stihl defines as without guide bar and chain. Stihl lists displacement in cubic inches; 3.1 cubic inches works out to about 50cc. Bar lengths are the options Stihl lists for each model.

The Homeowner Saws: MS 162, MS 172 C-E, MS 182

These three share a 16-inch bar and 3/8-inch P chain, and Stihl pitches all of them at homeowners. The MS 162 is the entry saw - 1.6 bhp and 9.9 pounds, which Stihl calls optimal for homeowners and occasional use. If you have an older article or a neighbor telling you to buy the MS 170, note that it is not in Stihl's current US chainsaw catalog; the MS 162 is the entry gas saw listed now.

The MS 172 C-E adds Stihl's Easy2Start and ErgoStart systems, a manual fuel pump, and a diagnostic socket - features aimed at easier starting. The MS 182 is the stronger of the three at 2.1 bhp; Stihl says it has more power and less weight than the MS 172 C-E, and it adds toolless fuel and oil caps.

Our take: these are pruning, limbing, and storm-cleanup saws. If you plan to cut your own firewood regularly, the power step to the next group is worth it.

The Firewood Middle: MS 250 and MS 251 Wood Boss

Both make 2.9 bhp from 2.8 cubic inches and run an 18-inch bar with .325-inch chain. The MS 250 is the lighter of the two at 10.1 pounds, and Stihl describes it as handling everything from small tree felling and limb removal to general cleanup. The MS 251 Wood Boss weighs 10.6 pounds, and Stihl says it delivers up to 20 percent greater fuel efficiency and 50 percent fewer exhaust emissions than previous models, with toolless fuel caps and bumper spikes.

Our Pick for Firewood: MS 271 Farm Boss

The MS 271 Farm Boss steps up to 3.5 bhp and 12.4 pounds, with 18- and 20-inch bar options. Stihl says its engine gives 20 percent longer run times than the previous model, and its pre-separation air filtration helps the filter last up to five times longer. It adds toolless fuel and oil caps with retainers and side-mounted chain tensioning. Stihl describes it as built for firewood cutting, property maintenance, and other demanding cutting.

If you heat with wood, cut storm-down trees, or keep a few acres cleared, this is the natural middle of the lineup - enough saw for a 20-inch bar without the weight of the farm-class models.

MS 271 vs MS 291

This is the comparison everyone asks about, and Stihl's specs make it simple. The MS 291 has more displacement (3.4 vs 3.1 cubic inches) and more power (3.8 vs 3.5 bhp) at the same 12.4-pound powerhead weight, with the same bar options and chain pitch. Stihl aims it at frequent use and agricultural work. The MS 271 is the Farm Boss; the MS 291 is the same size class with more power.

The Farm and Ranch Saws: MS 311 and MS 391

Both weigh 13.8 pounds, take 16- to 25-inch bars, and run 3/8-inch chain. Stihl calls the MS 311 ideal for large properties, farms, and ranches, with large fuel and oil tanks and a decompression valve for easier starting. The MS 391 makes 4.4 bhp to the 311's 4.2 - Stihl says it is more powerful than the MS 311 at the same weight - and adds the IntelliCarb compensating carburetor.

These are the saws Stihl aims at farms, ranches, and large properties. Stihl's catalog also lists the MS 261, 362, 400 C-M, 462, 500i, and Magnum models, which are outside this guide.

What About a Battery Stihl?

The MSA 220 C-B is a battery saw Stihl describes as built for demanding cutting: 2.3 bhp, 6.9 pounds without the battery, 14- to 18-inch bar options, and a brushless motor on Stihl's AP/ALLPRO 36-volt system. Stihl lists up to 39 minutes of working time on its AP 300.0 P battery. Batteries and chargers are sold separately for the unit-only version. Stihl also lists the MSA 60, 70, 80, 160, and 200 battery saws.

What to Buy With It

No Stihl should run without leg protection - see our chainsaw chaps and safety gear guide. A sharp chain matters more than an extra half horsepower, and note that the lineup above uses three different chain pitches (3/8" P, .325", and 3/8") - that decides your file size, so check our chain sharpening guide. For keeping the saw running, see the chainsaw maintenance guide.

Cross-shopping? Our Stihl vs Husqvarna comparison covers the brand question, and the Husqvarna 450 Rancher comparison is the closest Husqvarna rival to the MS 271. And once the wood is down, a log splitter is the next tool in line.

Common Questions

Which Stihl chainsaw is best for a homeowner?

For pruning and storm cleanup, the MS 162, MS 172 C-E, or MS 182 - all with 16-inch bars and aimed at homeowners by Stihl. For regular firewood cutting, the MS 250, MS 251 Wood Boss, or MS 271 Farm Boss give you an 18- or 20-inch bar and noticeably more power.

What is the difference between the Stihl MS 271 and MS 291?

Per Stihl, the MS 291 has 3.4 cubic inches and 3.8 bhp versus the MS 271's 3.1 cubic inches and 3.5 bhp, at the same 12.4-pound powerhead weight, with the same 18- or 20-inch bar options and .325-inch chain.

Is the Stihl MS 170 discontinued?

It is not listed in Stihl's current US chainsaw catalog as of September 2026. The MS 162 is the entry-level gas saw Stihl lists now.

Can you buy Stihl chainsaws on Amazon?

Stihl says genuine Stihl products are sold only through authorized Stihl dealers, many of which offer online ordering. Listings on Amazon come from resellers, and the one we checked was priced above Stihl's own list price. If you want to order online, Husqvarna's Rancher saws are sold by Amazon directly.

Which Stihl chainsaw is best for a farm or ranch?

Stihl aims the MS 311 and MS 391 at farms, ranches, and large properties. Both weigh 13.8 pounds and take bars up to 25 inches; the MS 391 makes 4.4 bhp to the MS 311's 4.2, per Stihl.

Want saws you can buy directly on Amazon? See our best chainsaw guide.